"Huitica come quick!" setting down her half-twined rug Huitica stood up.
"Coming mother," She yelled as she walked out. Her mother had a rare smile on her face. "Ma, what's with the smile?"
"This is a great day for our Allyu, for you have been chosen to speak to Sapa Inca." Her mother embraced her as Huitica's surprise hit her. Her Allyu were cheering and clapping but the sounds were muted. Huitica gently pushed her mother out of the hug
"Sapa Inca? You mean THE Sapa Inca as in-,"
"Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui!" one of the small children in her Allyu yelled in excitement. Huitica smiled as the young ones danced around in joy.
"Ma, Why does Sapa Inca wish to see me?" She asked in confusion
"No, you have it all wrong Huitica. He does not wish to see you. He commands to see you. Very different and very honorable. You must hurry don't Keep Sapa Inca waiting!" Mother grabbing a branch of herbs and shoving it in her daughter's hands she quickly pushed her down the busy roads of Cusco.
Walking up the large steps towards the palace Huitica's hands shook. Why would the Incan leader command to see her? She hadn't done anything wrong, it wasn't his job to match her with someone. He didn't even have a son to match her with so it couldn't be that. so what was it? Walking into the room that Sapa Inca resided she fell onto her knees bringing her head to the cold floor.
"Sapa Inca, you wish to see me?" she said still in her bow but slightly raising her head.
"Rise and come forward" His voice was rough and commanding bringing Huitica to her feet and walking over to him. Gently he grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips. The kiss made Huitica jump. She knew not to speak until he spoke so she smiled and knelt down to her knees. Gently she laid the herb onto his lap. He nodded ever so slightly as a show of approval.
"Huitica, my father, Inti has a special command for you." Lifting her chin he smiled. Huitica smiled back as it was respected.
"whatever Inti requires I will do." She said as he dropped his hand. "What is his command Sapa Inca?"
"Ah, That he requests is not to be revealed but he does need you to stay here in the palace for a week." Startled she gasped and her leader let out a big laugh. "yes he thought this might be a shock but I can promise you it is for a good reason."
"Yes, I am sure. But Sapa Inca what about my mother and Allyu?"
"Huitica, This is a great honor I am sure your mother and your Allyu will not mind."
"Yes Sapa Inka they will understand as it is Inti's command," She said as a smile returned.
The week seemed to pass in several seconds as she was gussied up in elegant clothes given all kinds of grains drinks and powders. On her last day, she was commanded by Inti to drink and eat as much as possible. In a state of exhaustion, Sapa Inca carried her outside of Cusco and down into the burial chambers. Setting her down he had people decorate around her.
"Sapa Inca, did Inti wish I be sacrificed to him and his gods?" Huitica asked in a daze.
"Yes, my dear. Inti will reward you when you awake. you have done a great service to me and your allyu." With a smile Sapa Inca left Huitica to freeze in the cold air and complete Inti's Command.